Cochlear implant

The cochlear implant (CI) program was created to serve children diagnosed with hearing loss who receive limited to no hearing aid benefit and whose families are dedicated to improving their child's communication mode.

Team members include pediatric otolaryngologist, Dr. Paul Bauer, M.D., otologist/neurotologist, Dr. Ricardo Cristobal, M.D., Ph.D., audiologists and speech-language pathologists with specialized training in the Auditory-Verbal Therapy approach. Other professionals may be added to a child's "team" if needed. These professionals may include physical therapy, occupational therapy or psychological services. We conduct monthly case conferences with CI physicians to discuss patients care.

A full speech and language evaluation before and after the cochlear implant.

Visit with families about different ways children with hearing loss can communicate.

Try out different plans for developing listening skills with the family and child before the cochlear implant.

Continue therapy for listening and speaking skills after the cochlear implant.

Provide families with information about schools and any other help your child may need.

Talk with school teachers to explain the cochlear implant.

Teach families about helping their child learn to listen and speak at home.

How can I help my child do well?

Your child’s success begins with you.

Make your home as quiet as possible so your voice is easy to hear.

Talk to your child. Your voice and words will help the brain’s hearing center develop.

Sing to your child. Singing introduces rhythms and melodies. This helps develop the different tones in your child’s voice.

Read, read, read to your child. The number of words your child knows when entering kindergarten is the most important measure of school success. A typical 5-year-old uses about 2,500 words. A book is your child’s best toy for exploring the world and the words that go with it.

Get your child’s attention first through sound. For example, call your child’s name or start singing when you can’t be seen. Watch for a reaction and then let them see you.

Talk close to your child’s ear at a normal speaking volume. This screens out some of the background noises so your voice is easier to hear. It’s better to get closer than to get louder.

Services related to cochlear implants

Pediatric aural rehabilitation services are provided by certified auditory-verbal therapists or speech-language pathologists, who have specific mentoring and training in auditory-verbal therapy strategies and techniques. These include: